The United States is preparing to introduce a new air-to-air weapon: AIM-260 from Lockheed Martin

After the incident when Pakistan shot down Indian fighter jets with a Chinese-made missile, the United States stepped up its efforts to develop advanced weapons systems. Budget applications for 2025 mention that the US Air Force and Navy may soon receive a new air-to—air missile, the AIM-260, developed by Lockheed Martin. This system, which has been under development for eight years, is now in production, which opens up new horizons for American military power.

Context and reason for development

The development of the AIM-260 was initiated in response to the growing threats in the airspace, especially after incidents involving the use of Chinese technology. Pakistan's success in shooting down Indian fighter jets highlighted the need to modernize American weapons systems. The AIM-260 is designed to replace outdated systems and provide air combat superiority, which is especially important in modern conflicts.

Features and capabilities of the AIM-260

The AIM-260 represents a significant improvement over previous models. It has increased accuracy, increased range and improved maneuverability, which allows it to effectively counter modern and future threats. The missile is also equipped with advanced guidance systems, which increases its effectiveness in various combat conditions. These characteristics make the AIM-260 one of the most advanced air-to-air systems in the world.

Influence on the US military strategy

The introduction of the AIM-260 will significantly strengthen the U.S. position in the field of air defense and attack. This missile will allow the US Air Force and Navy to act more confidently and effectively in various scenarios, whether it is patrolling airspace or participating in combat operations. The AIM-260 will also improve the United States' ability to deter potential aggressors by providing them with air combat superiority.

Future prospects and development

With the introduction of the AIM-260 into service, the United States plans to continue to develop and improve this system. In the future, we can expect improvements in fire control, integration with other weapons systems, and increased range and accuracy. This will allow the US military to remain at the forefront of technology and effectively counter new and evolving threats.

South Korea is testing ballistic missiles for KF-21 fighter jets

South Korea is actively working on the development of air-launched ballistic missiles, which has become part of a large-scale program to strengthen its strike aircraft. The goal of the development is to be able to deliver precision air strikes against strategically important targets.

In parallel, work is underway on specialized weapons designed to destroy the enemy's energy infrastructure. Such weapons can be used to disable key energy supply facilities, which reduces the combat capability of enemy forces.

Special attention is being paid to the integration of the new missile with the fifth-generation multirole fighter KF-21 Boramae, being developed by South Korean engineers. If the tests are successfully completed, the missile can be installed on board these aircraft, significantly expanding their combat capabilities.

The implementation of the program will strengthen South Korea's strategic defense power and enhance its ability to respond to threats on the Korean peninsula.

New armored vehicles have been spotted in China — what kind of vehicles are driving through the desert?

A strange convoy has been spotted in northwestern China - more than a dozen armored vehicles in desert camouflage rolling along a deserted highway. The video, which hit Chinese social networks, has already spread like a virus: military enthusiasts and analysts are puzzling over what kind of equipment it is and why Beijing needs it.

Apparently, all these armored cars are based on the well—known Type 08 chassis, which is a universal "skeleton" for many Chinese wheeled armored personnel carriers (8x8). But this is clearly not just a good old APC. Experts suggest that we are facing a new generation of modular combat vehicles. That is, those that can be quickly reconfigured for different tasks: to transport soldiers, turn into a command post, or even carry other equipment.

There are no official comments from the Chinese army yet, as usual. But the fact that such vehicles are already driving in the desert speaks volumes: Beijing is clearly expanding its family of universal armored platforms. And, most likely, this is just the beginning.

Japan is testing a new railgun on a military vessel

 Several images taken at the Japanese naval base, possibly in Yokosuka, which show something similar to a new version of the railgun installed on the experimental vessel JS Asuka (ASE-6102) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces. The images show a tower with an angular design, consistent with previous official reports indicating that Asuka conducted the first test firing a railgun on a ship in 2023.

This observation is also consistent with ongoing testing activities involving an electromagnetic weapon system developed by the Japan Agency for Procurement, Technology and Logistics (ATLA).